Customer Reviews

Life Begins Again

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jimmy Chamberlin spent years as one of the shadowy, talented musicians who backed Billy Corgan in the Smashing Pumpkins. What has Chamberlin been doing since Corgan's second band Zwan broke up in 2003? Apparently crafting a remarkably good solo debut with a new band: the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex's "Life Begins Again." It seems to have begun again for Chamberlin, anyway.

Anyone expecting the panoramic hard rock of the Pumpkins is going to be disappointed, because it is nowhere to be found. Chamberlin's sound is more of a complex, jazzy art rock sound, heavy on the drums guitars, and brimming over with prog-rock vibes. It's a kind of music that I haven't heard before, especially since it strikes such a good balance between the rock instrumentation and jazz rhythms.

In a few songs, it sounds like Chamberlin and Co. are just jamming around, not sure what to play exactly -- it's interesting, but not nearly as tight as the other instrumentals. They are at their best when combining assured drumming, shifting guitar riffs and lustrous sonics, including a wonderfully weird Rhodes solo in the middle of jamming.

Chamberlin hasn't totally left behind his musical past -- there are still ties to the Pumpkins here. Ex-bandmate Billy Corgan sings in the spooky "Loki Cat," and he also puts his formidable bass-playing skills to use. And Rob Dickinson of Catherine Wheel provides creepy vocals to the title song, sounding like someone calmly descending into an abyss. It's hard not to get the shivers listening to this.

But the centerpiece of the album is Chamberlin's own skills -- most importantly, his drumming. Songs like "Streetcrawler" are basically Chamberlin's drumming, dressed up in shifting and/or floaty guitars. "Life Begins Again" occasionally lacks musical direction, but it certainly doesn't lack polish or enthusiasm.

In the debut for Jimmy Chamberlin and his new band, they embrace jazzy jams, rock and a bit of pop and metal. "Life Begins Again" has a few duds about two-thirds of the way through, but still ends up strong and richly atmospheric.

Jimmy Chamberlin Complex has done the unthinkable! They have created an album that is truely original and sounds like nothing else out there. Which today is quite a feat in and of itself!

The melodies are haunting and beautiful and create a lush musical landscape that brings you back for more and more listens! The instrumentals are so engaging, whether its the intense guitar solo on Streetcrawler, the beatiful acoustic bass sounds on Cranes of Prey, or the incomperable drumming of the master Mister Jimmy Chamberlin which is audible on each and every track!!!!

The vocals are perfect. It's just so great that there is a record out there half instrumental and half vocals. It's so refreshing. Rob Dickinson from brit rock group the Catherine Wheel is just amazing on both Life Begins Again and Love is Real. Billy Corgan appears on Loki Cat which is by far one of the album's highlights. This track would have been one of the best even without vocals on it. But with Billy C's characteristic voice it just gives me the chills! Billy Mohler gives a beautiful vocal performace on Newerwaves (my personal fav on the record). But the most surprising of all the vocal appearances is that of the legendary Bill Medley of the Righteous Bros. on the final track 'Lullabye.' His voice has that classic sound that could never be replicated by anyone! It's so cool to hear a classic voice like his on a new track like 'Lullabye.' It's timeless! The album has many sounds and keeps listeners on their toes, but it ALWAYS sounds like a band, like a record. Never disjointed or all over the place. It's a real musical journey and great to listen to from start to finish!

I could go on and on, i just cant say enough great things. And if anyone gets the chance to see the band live, YOU WON'T BE DISAPOINTED. I saw them play at the Mercury Lounge in NY and it was the most crazy performance i have ever heard/seen. It's one thing if a band sounds amazing on a record because of "Studio Magic", but it's another thing all together when a band can actually carry it off live the way they do, its just incredible. Something i wish more bands could do!

Anyways, i recommend this album and think its going to be an inspiration to musicians everywhere. It is a musical breakthrough!

Jimmy Chamberlin spent years as one of the shadowy, talented musicians who backed Billy Corgan in the Smashing Pumpkins. What has Chamberlin been doing since Corgan's second band Zwan broke up in 2003? Apparently crafting a remarkably good solo debut with a new band: the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex's "Life Begins Again." It seems to have begun again for Chamberlin, anyway.

Anyone expecting the panoramic hard rock of the Pumpkins is going to be disappointed, because it is nowhere to be found. Chamberlin's sound is more of a complex, jazzy art rock sound, heavy on the drums guitars, and brimming over with prog-rock vibes. It's a kind of music that I haven't heard before, especially since it strikes such a good balance between the rock instrumentation and jazz rhythms.

In a few songs, it sounds like Chamberlin and Co. are just jamming around, not sure what to play exactly -- it's interesting, but not nearly as tight as the other instrumentals. They are at their best when combining assured drumming, shifting guitar riffs and lustrous sonics, including a wonderfully weird Rhodes solo in the middle of jamming.

Chamberlin hasn't totally left behind his musical past -- there are still ties to the Pumpkins here. Ex-bandmate Billy Corgan sings in the spooky "Loki Cat," and he also puts his formidable bass-playing skills to use. And Rob Dickinson of Catherine Wheel provides creepy vocals to the title song, sounding like someone calmly descending into an abyss. It's hard not to get the shivers listening to this.

But the centerpiece of the album is Chamberlin's own skills -- most importantly, his drumming. Songs like "Streetcrawler" are basically Chamberlin's drumming, dressed up in shifting and/or floaty guitars. "Life Begins Again" occasionally lacks musical direction, but it certainly doesn't lack polish or enthusiasm.

In the debut for Jimmy Chamberlin and his new band, they embrace jazzy jams, rock and a bit of pop and metal. "Life Begins Again" has a few duds about two-thirds of the way through, but still ends up strong and richly atmospheric.

Taking a long-needed breather from the mud of music digitally transmitted these days, The Jimmy Chamberlin Complex addresses the need for musicians to flex their muscles, stretch and allow their influences to flow. Jimmy Chamberlin and Billy Mohler deliver the truly unique without alienating the fan tied to the rock-song formula.

Effectively, this is a jazz album that bridges to alt-rock and somehow keeps it all together. Kudos to Chamberlin for recruiting some varied talent that really works. Rob Dickinson, IMO the most underated songwriter/vocalist/guitarist of the most underated Brit import, Catherine Wheel, is once again, inspiring. The addition of Bill Medley gives Tom Waits a run for his money. For drummers, think Simon Phillips meets-Max Roach-meets Jimmy Chamberlin.

This one is staying the cd-player for the near future.

Don't get me wrong, I love the smashing pumpkins, but I'm thankful this is not another pumpkins record.

This record seems to have strong roots in both prog rock and jazz, and Jimmy lays the chops full on for us to enjoy. Billy Mohler assist Jimmy with writing. It's very interesting to listen to Jimmy's style in a different situation, where he is really free to apply his immense talent.

"Streetcrawler" is an excellent track, with one of the most infectious beats a drummer could ever listen to.

The title track, "Life begins again", is one of two conventional sounding rock tracks, the other being "Love is real". These tracks could almost sound like Smashing Pumpkins tracks if it weren't for Rob Dickinson being the singer.

Jimmy lets it all go on "PSA", showcasing his blistering fills and technical proficiency on drums.

"Loki Cat" is what might draw the hardcore pumpkins fans in, with a cameo from Billy Corgan. Thankfully, the input from Corgan is restrained and very tasteful. This track is what the pumpkins' "Adore" album could have sounded like under different circumstances - and who knows what direction they would have gone from there (a very interesting thing to ponder indeed).

"Cranes of Prey" is quite the treat. An instrumental alternating between heavy sections and dreamy breakdowns with double bass, this track perhaps might be the best track without vocals, if it wasn't for the excellent "Streetcrawler".

"Owed to Darryl" is a slightly more challenging listen for the casual listener. Very jazz heavy (or is it heavy jazz?), this track can reward the listener with it's complexity and utter madness.

"Newerwaves" is Billy Mohler's track to highlight his vocals. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like a finished track, or a particularly inspired piece. It was a good idea, it just needs movement instead of dragging on.

"Time Shift" is a neat little instrumental track, with a lighter feel than many of the other tracks. It adds a good balance to the rest of the material's tendency to go a bit over the top at times.

"Lullabye" is perhaps the strangest track on the album. Featuring very distinct vocals by Bill Medley, it has a very different feel than any other track on the cd. While the combination of Bill's voice and the music of the Jimmy Chamberlin complex is interesting, it almost seems to be too much of a contrast to fit in properly. Nonetheless, a listenable song.

In short, this album has been on repeat in my cd player for about a week on end, and I don't see it going anywhere in the next little while. A very unique and memorable collection for those who really appreciated Jimmy Chamberlin's input to the Smashing Pumpkins excellent material.

Next to Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin and his drumming defined the Pumpkins. An absolute monster on the drums, Jimmy never ceased to up the ante whether it be the metal of "Geek USA" and "XYU" or the beautifully precise underscored percussion on "To Forgive" and "Soma". With "Life Begins Again", we see another side to the man's ability from where he developed his skill: Jazz.

I wouldn't call this album pure jazz because the playing is anything but by the accompanying cast of musicians, but Jimmy's drumming and the approach taken in the instrumental numbers, which can only be described as organized jamming, lends that title. So let's just call this Jazz Fusion, fair?

The aforementioned supporting cast of musicians more than underwhelmed me (minus a few tracks which I'll detail later). Their playing has no distinct style and the guitar and keyboard sounds carry over into each following track. The vocalists, with the exception of Corgan on 'Loki Cat', are bland and only hinder the backing tracks.

I am undeniably in love with "P.S.A.", "Streetcrawler" and "Loki Cat".

"P.S.A." is a mezmorizing instrumental that begins subtly and creates a somber melancholic (no pun intended) mood and by the last third of the track becomes a showcase for Jimmy's thunder by stick. This is an all-out stunner of a song.

"Streetcrawler" begins the album and makes a statement right away with no intro or build. Uptempo and dark, this is the template I wish the entire album was based on.

As I stated before, "Loki Cat" features Corgan on vocals and is the only track in this ilk that does the album justice. I picture this being what 'Adore' would've sounded like if Jimmy were present in 1997-1998.

An all instrumental album would definitely deserve a better grade, but don't let the negatives push you away. This is the best post-Pumpkin work by any of the members and the highs are something to behold.

When I first listened to "Life Begins Again", like everyone else I had no idea what to expect, except great expectations.

First let me say, this album is not something you can hear once and grasp. To get the complexity of the complex you will have to spend the time with a decent sound system to hear all the tracks, front to back.

The album opens with Street Crawler, upbeat at times, insane at times, but a driving song and a great way to start an album. It paints the picture that you're listening to a band with enormous talent. A true jam band if I had ever heard one. I don't have to stress Billy's talent on the bass, it stresses itself.

Second track Life Begins again, bringing in the vocal element to JCC, featuring Rob Dickinson, front man of the mia band Catherine Wheel (long time partner in crime of the Smashing Pumpkins). It was a good decision by whoever decided to put Rob on the track, because you can almost feel that mid 90's pop alternative era with dirty riffs, melodic piano, and ethereal guitar. Rob eerily echoes in concert with Sean's guitar, the song creates an atmosphere, an easy one to slip into and stay in. It carries over to PSA, which seems to be a playground for the band, Jimmy just lets go and really showcases himself in a way I've never heard before, and it meshes beautifully. Something I've come to understand about The Complex is they can tear apart and bring any song back together in a unique way that makes you feel you've just listened to 5 songs in one.

The next song Lokicat quickly became my favourite song, but it was not the introduction of Billy Corgan's vocals that did it for me but rather a drum lick so unique it could be a song itself. The first 10 seconds of the song grabs you in and keeps you in to the end. Corgan lends voice in a very familiar vocal progression which takes you back to his earilier years. This song is unfortunately the only reunion of the duo on the album.

Cranes of Prey is the odd one out on the album, a consistently new edge metal sound, it snaps you out of the Lokicat daze, but not immediately. Distant sounds of the Rhodes breaks you in and keeps a common theme in the song, as the guitar, bass and drums take you from heavy to spacey and back. The Jazz aspect of Billy's bass will drive bass enthusiasts nuts, as JCC once again reaches new heights. But the five minute song quickly drops off leaving it a tad lacking.

Rob Dickinson once again joins the team for Love Is Real. The composition of the song is a bit awkward, quick and poppy, but brings back some very familiar drumming. It also further shows Jimmy has found a new leaf to turn over as a lyricist. The next song Owed To Darryl is a 5 minute jazz jam that will give audiences a taste of what to expect live with off the wall performances.

Newerwaves with a strongly driven bass line delivers a punchy song with Billy Mohler making an excellent vocal presence which seems to meld with the song rather than stand apart from it, again showing you that the Complex is an all around instrumental band, viewing the voice as another instrument to add to the song, not carry it.

Time Shift is a transition song perfectly used to connect Newerwaves and Lullaby to Children and wind the album down. Lullaby, with Bill Medley's dark vocals, is a wonderful and moving song. It's one of those songs that makes you feel satisfied about the album you just listened to. A key element to the progression of Life Begins Again.

Wrap it up with a reprise of Lokicat and all in all you have a complete, well put together showcase of creativity and talent. If you have any doubts about getting your hand on this album, discard them. The Complex breaks out of the ordinary, creating an environment of their own. Life Begins again is a vacation from the mundane world of modern rock and reminds us what instruments are really for.

O.K., I admit it. As a closet Smashing Pumpkins fan, I have contracted a Jekyll and Hyde kind of appreciation for them; disliking some of their radio-saturated, confident, ego fueled tracks and secretly falling victim to their more calm, composed and dynamic tracks. Being in exile for nearly a decade of Pumpkin's music career. I feel I owe any ex-Pumpkins members project a proper review. Former drummer, Jimmy Chamberlin was an integral part and of the Smashing Pumpkins and Zwan: There are few places he hadn't traveled, magazines he hadn't been in, and stadiums he hadn't played. After a long hiatus from being in the limelight Jimmy Chamberlin held up in a L.A. studio and put together his solo debut entitled Jimmy Chamberlin Complex "Life Begins Again." The group is comprised of Chamberlin teamed up with Billy Mohler, an L.A.-based songwriter who has worked with everyone from Macy Gray to Fred Durst. The boys also enlisted last minute help from Sean Woolstenhulme and Adam Benjamin.

The opening track "Street Crawler" begins with smooth rolling beats, juxtaposed with intricate percussive complexities. Beautiful guitar sings like a choir as jazzy arpegiated keyboards fall like hail from the sky. The album titled "Life Begins Again" takes off with force and features vocals from ex-Catherine Wheel front man Rob Dickinson. The anthem song takes a journey from heavy rock to a Sting-like ballad. (Not like something induced by a Scorpion's tail, but like a song by the lead singer of 80's rock fame: "The Police") The track "P.S.A." begins with lush keys and volume knob guitar swells with a light beat. Guitar lines take hold of the structure and delve into center stage, winding up till the very end of this dynamic instrumental.

The ultimate highlight of this release is a track entitled "Lokicat," in which Chamberlin's former front man appears on the microphone. The drumming is so hypnotic with a heavy use of deep tom rolls and intricate sparkling taps of brass. The guitar line is light and sleepy like a vivid colored kite flying across a ethereal backdrop. Corgan's voice is calm and focused as he sings Chamberlin's lyrics of finding himself. This dreamy track is Billy's best performance since the December of 2000's demise of The Pumpkins.

"Love is Real," is a mixture of The Pumpkins signature sound mixed with a heavy dose of Foo Fighter arrangements. Rob Dickinson takes the mic again and sings Chamberlin's lyrics "Love is Real, I walked outside tonight with the stars as my guide, knowing where to go/ it's my heart that tells me so," against the catchy grooves. "Cranes of Prey," sounds like a revisit of "Rat In A Cage" era with lightening fast drums and crunchy distorted guitars exploding about. After two minutes the groove get shot from sky like a clay pigeon, falling into a dreamy jazz arrangement of fretless bass bubbling with effervescence to its climatic ending. The hyper jazz influenced "Owed to Darry," has more beats per square inch than a piece of New York cheesecake has calories. The moody track "Newerwaves," starts off sounding like U2's "I Will Follow" but after a few measures the music reminds me of "Untitled," the opening track of Interpol's debut. This song marks the vocal debut from band member Billy Mohler. His monotone vocals are not fully developed and seem to get lost in the murk of the arrangement.

The album takes a turn downhill after the instrumental "Time Shift" with dynamic jazzy pause and stops as Rock n' Roll Hall of Famer Bill Medley (one-half of the Righteous Brothers) takes the microphone on "Lullaby to the Children." His vocals come across contrived with an "insert grunge singer in the blank __________" feel (i.e. Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder.) It's a very odd thing to hear a Righteous Brother doing a theatrical grunge ballad over this beautiful piece of music. The album finally comes to a close with a minute-long lush instrumental version of "Lokicat" which fades out to silence.

If this is how "Life Begins Again" is; then I think Chamberlin needs to take some personnel inventory. There is no doubt Jimmy Chamberlin is more than a modicum of a talented drummer. Chamberlin held court in one of the largest rock groups of the last decade and showcased his intricate and diverse drumming. But despite the monumental musicianship and drumming on this album, it lacks a consistent theme and a good front man to be noted in the history books. Jimmy Chamberlin Complex's new line up even puts all-star cast Zwan to shame on the track "Lokicat" giving this review a +2 rating on that track alone. But with the subtraction of "Lokicat" the album would pale in comparison. I would quickly find "Life Begins Again" in a bone yard of dust covered jewel cases. As drummer David Lovering was recently saved from the basement of the Magic Castle with a receding hairline and a deck of cards to reform The Pixies. I hope that Chamberlin and gang can send Corgan to obedience school and reform the Smashing Pumpkins or recruit him as a permanent fixture in the Complex.

What I discovered during this review despite my stubborn closet Jack-O-Lantern amore is that I am a true Smashing Pumpkins fan. I did it I let the cat out of the bag. I think I am just a little late (Just over 5 years!) to join there over populated fan club. My realization came after hearing "Lokicat," and reminiscing how much I did admire the Pumpkins. This release is worth investigating yourself, without the clutter of my Pumpkins praises. But even in my newfound haze I conjure this: instead of one great track, what if we had eleven great ones? Until the day the Pumpkins reunite, this will have to holds me over.

Kevin Serra
www.Kevchino.com

In this magical and really electic collection of songs, Jimmy Chamberlain re-establishes himself as one of the most original and powerful drummers out there. As a drummer myself, I can confidently say he has some of fastest hands in the world. The songwriting isn't too shabby either, especially on "Life Begins Again" and "Newerwaves." Billy Corgan's guest appearance will also be very interesting to Smashing Pumpkins fans. This album will take you to another world and bring you back again!

If you have been trying to convince any dis-believers that Jimmy Chamberlin is an amazing drummer, you now how have concrete proof. From beginning to end his skill dominates Life Begins Again.
Unfortunately, this alone does not always carry the songs through. Each is a nice fusion of jazz and rock, but it takes rare talent to create full instrumentals. Jimmy is almost there. That being said, the title track with the mind numbing Rob Dickinson, and Loki-cat with Billy Corgan are some of the best songs I have heard in a years. I recommend Jimmy use his connections to write songs for his friends and colleagues to guest on. Too bad we had to wait so long for this.